WHO upgrades risk assessment for Ebola outbreak in DRC to 'very high'
The World Health Organization has elevated the risk assessment for the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to 'very high'. With 82 confirmed cases and several deaths, local authorities have implemented measures such as banning funerals to curb the spread of the virus. The WHO is also exploring antiviral treatments and new vaccines to combat the outbreak.
- ▪The WHO has confirmed 82 cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the DRC.
- ▪Local authorities in Ituri province have banned funeral wakes to prevent further transmission.
- ▪The WHO is investigating antiviral treatments and developing a new vaccine for clinical trials.
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WHO upgrades risk assessment for Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo to 'very high'Topic:EbolaSat 23 May 2026 at 7:05amSat 23 May 2026 at 7:05amSat 23 May 2026 at 7:05amRed Cross workers disinfect Rwampara's general hospital before handling a body on Thursday. (Reuters: Gradel Muyisa Mumbere)In short:The WHO has raised its risk assessment of an Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to "very high", with 82 confirmed cases of the virus detected so far.It comes as the province most heavily affected by the outbreak bans funerals and suspends its local football league in a bid to stop the virus from spreading.What's next?A WHO scientist says an antiviral treatment called Obeldesivir could be used among Ebola contacts to prevent them from developing the disease,…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).